Host microenvironment in breast cancer development: epithelial-cell-stromal-cell interactions and steroid hormone action in normal and cancerous mammary gland

Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(4):208-15. doi: 10.1186/bcr615. Epub 2003 Jun 3.

Abstract

Mammary epithelial cells comprise the functional component of the normal gland and are the major target for carcinogenesis in mammary cancer. However, the stromal compartment of the normal gland and of tumors plays an important role in directing proliferative and functional changes in the epithelium. In vivo and in vitro studies of the murine mammary gland have provided insights into novel stroma-dependent mechanisms by which estrogen and progesterone action in the epithelium can be modulated by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the extracellular matrix proteins, collagen type I, fibronectin and laminin. In vitro and in vivo studies of estrogen receptor positive, estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cells have also demonstrated that estrogen responsiveness of tumor cells can also be modulated by extracellular matrix proteins, collagen type I and laminin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Communication / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / pathology*
  • Progesterone / pharmacology
  • Stromal Cells / drug effects
  • Stromal Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Progesterone